New mental health hub opens in Spruce Grove

SPRUCE GROVE -- Local youth can now access a new mental health support hub in Spruce Grove.

Kickstand Spruce Grove is funded by the province through the Mental Health Foundation and developed in partnership with the City of Spruce Grove. The facility aims to ensure young people can access support at no cost, without referrals, and without long wait times. Kickstand Executive Director Katherine Hay says the new mental health hub offers various services for youth aged 11 to 25.

"It's a model that brings together a range of services within a single location to provide young people and their families with accessible, rapid services," said Hay. "A young person can walk in and get help with mental health services, or routine physical health services, or they can get help with a resume so they can get a job -- we're really able to meet people where they're at."

Located at the West Log Cabin (447 King Street), the new space will provide integrated services in a single space, including mental health care, substance use support, peer support, Indigenous wellness services, and physical health care. Hay says the facility is designed to simplify access in order to allow young people to walk in and get support barrier-free.

"Too many young people are waiting until they're in crisis before they get help, and that has to change," said Hay. "Kickstand exists so that any young person in this community can walk through the door, without a referral, without waiting, and without a bill, and know that support is there for them. This is what early intervention looks like in practice."

Kickstand Spruce Grove officially opened its doors following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Wednesday, Apr. 22. The event featured tours of the new youth wellness space and remarks from various community leaders, including Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker.

"Young people in Spruce Grove deserve to feel supported and know they have somewhere to turn, close to home, and this new space makes that a reality," said Mayor Acker. "Access to free mental health services and a variety of other supports means fewer families in our community navigating the system alone and more young people getting help before challenges become crises."

Acker notes that the municipality is proud to have partnered in bringing Kickstand to Spruce Grove, which will serve the entire Tri-region.